Catch



Patented Apr. 11, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE CATCH Vernon J. Andrew, Santa Ana, Calif.

Application October 13, 1945, Serial No. 622,231

1 Claim.

This invention relates to improvements in a catch of the type intended for holding doors, and the like, from opening.

At present the catches most commonly used on doors on cupboards, cabinets, etc., consist'l of a spring-pressed ball carried by one of the relatively moving parts for frictionally engaging a depression provided in the other relatively moving member. These catches are unsatisfactory in many instances, particularly where there is a faulty alignment between the depression and the mounting of the ball in the door, in the closed position. It is the general object of the present invention to provide a catch which is more reliable in operation and less subject to being affected by a faulty alignment between the door and cabinet.

In accordance with the present invention the catch is formed by a T-shaped piece of spring metal, the top of the T-shaped piece being provided with a slight arch and mounted to allow sliding movement of its end with respect to the member carrying frame. This arch shaped member of spring material is adapted for mak ing a frictional contact with a flat member. By constructing the catch in the manner described, satisfactory operation is obtained without requiring any accurate alignment between the spring member and the member intended to contact the same in closed position.

The catch of the present invention, together with further objects and advantages of the present invention, will be more fully understood from the following description of the preferred form or example of the invention.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cabinet in which the present invention is embodied.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary section on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a` fragmentary section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2.

Figure 4 is a similar fragmentary section, with the door in the open position.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the spring metal contact member.

Figure 6 is a plan view of one of the clips employed for mounting the spring member.

Figure 7 is a section on the line 'l-l of Fig. 6.

Referring to the drawing, 2 generally indicates a cabinet having a door 3 intended to be held closed by the catch of the present invention. The catch of the present invention includes a spring metal contact member 4 which includes a straplke portion 5 having a slight arch, as indicated. The straplike portion 5 has its ends mounted in clips 6 fastened to the upper edge of the door 43. The clips 6 may also be preferably formed of a strip of spring metal which includes a base section 1 intended to be positioned flush with the edge of the door, the strip being folded back to provide a free end 8 providing a slightly tapered opening for the reception of one end of the member 5. Preferably flanges 9 may be provided on the -free end of the clip 6 of such character that it will assist in iixing the position of the clips by driving the pointed ends into the door 3. Near the fold of the clips is provided openings for receiving a fastening nail or pin I0.

On the inner side of the door 3 there is provided a strap Il extending from the member 4. There is provided a lateral extension H from the center of the arch-shaped portion of the member 4. The member 4 comprises the straplike portion 5, the bowed center of which is positioned outwardly from a line joining the ends of the strap-like portion 5 and the extension ll is bent inwardly to bring its free end inwardly beyond the line joining the ends of the straplike portion 5.

The remainder of the catch includes merely a flat contact member I2 suitably held to the cabinet in a position so as to be substantially over the center of the arched member 4.

In the operation of the catch of the present invention, on closing of the door the contact plate l2 engages the strap l l so as to compress the member 4 sufficiently to allow the part to assume the position indicated in Fig. wherein the spring tension tends to frictionally retain the central portion of the arch member 5 in contact with the contact member I2 and thereby retain the door closed. No precise alignment between the parts l2 and 4 is required, and the catch will be found to serve satisfactorily even if a considerable misalignment occurs during use.

While the particular catch herein illustrated is well adapted to carry out the objects of the present invention, it is to be understood that various modifications and changes may be made, and this invention is of the scope set forth in the appended claim.

Iclaim:

A catch adapted for establishing a frictional hold with a flat contact member, said catch comprising a contact member formed of a fiat spring strip having a strap-like portion, the center of which is bowed outwardly from a line joining its ends, said Contact member having a lateral extension from the center of the strap-like portion bent inwardly to position the free end of the lateral extension beyond the line joining the ends of the strap-like portion, and mounting means for supporting said contact member solely at the 5 contact member.

VERNON J. ANDREW.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 174,889 Adams Mar. 21, 1876 1,335,100 Embach et al Mar. 30, 1920 1,558,724 Thornycroft Oct. 27, 1925 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 39,021 Switzerland Sept. 3, 1907 

